Patents Examined by John Rivell
  • Patent number: 8783292
    Abstract: A self contained one-way pressure relief valve for application to product packaging that does not require the addition of a sealing lubricant. Atop a base with an opening extending through the base is an adhesive-like material layer, and a dry strap of a silicone or other release film coated membrane, all of which are of gas impervious materials. The release film coated material layer covers the opening with the release film in contact with the adhesive-like material creating a surface attraction between the release film and the adhesive-like material. An intermediate layer of gas impervious material with an opening extending through such layer may be provided. A gas pervious filter material layer may be provided to block passage of fine particulates or liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Keith P. Hoffman, Robert C. Larsen, Douglas A. Wielunski
  • Patent number: 8783286
    Abstract: Structures and methods are provided for improving the distribution of fluids between exit flows from a split junction, such as a tee-junction. The improved distribution of fluids can result in a more equal distribution of both gases and liquids between the exits of the junction. The improvement can be provided by using a baffle structure, such as an annular baffle structure, upstream from the desired junction. The baffle structures can improve the distribution of fluids in the exit flows in various manners, such as by reducing the amount of vorticity or “swirl” in the input flow to the junction or by reducing the separation of gases from liquids within a flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Exxonmobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ronald Suryo, Anastasios Skoulidas, David L. Vannauker
  • Patent number: 8783280
    Abstract: A modular hydraulic hammer reduction system for railroad tank cars includes tubular hydraulic hammer reduction devices which include means to connect the tubular devices to flanges other than by welding or being cast together. For example, the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges, or the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings), or even more preferably the tubular devices can be press fit into the flanges and the tubular devices can be connected to the flanges with snap rings (preferably spiral-lock snap rings). The advantage of this modular construction is that one can manufacture multiple tubular devices and multiple flanges of each type, and connect the flanges to the tubular devices on an as-needed basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: S. Elwood Yandle, II, S. Elwood Yandle, III
  • Patent number: 8777179
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for the movement of an object along an axis of motion comprises two clamping elements and a drive element disposed between the two clamping elements which enables a relative movement of the two clamping elements along the axis of motion. Each clamping element comprises a base body and two clamping jaws, wherein a piezo-actuator is disposed between the base body and at least one of the two clamping jaws, which can produce a clamping force acting on the object which is directed transversely to the axis of motion. The base bodies of the two clamping elements are connected by at least two expansible elements. The drive element comprises a further piezo-actuator, which enables the relative displacement of the two clamping elements along the axis of motion. The drive mechanism is suitable for application in a micro-valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Hess Innovation GmbH, Burkert Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Hess
  • Patent number: 8776832
    Abstract: A one-way fill valve for use in electronic enclosures is disclosed. The one-way fill valve allows an inert gas to be added to an electronic enclosure without contamination and without excessive leakage. A scrim layer is provided between a breathable layer and a sealing element to protect the breathable layer from possible rupture and allow for greater air flow across the breathable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Tuma
  • Patent number: 8776820
    Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism for a high rate discharge valve has a collet with fingers adjacent a valve member that provides restraint against displacement of the valve member at angularly spaced locations symmetrical about the axis of the valve member. Each collet finger has at least one projection adjacent a first end. The valve actuation mechanism also has a collet sleeve release mechanism with a main body portion having a first end and a second end. The main body portion contains an aperture with at least one land portion that secures each projection of the collet fingers. The main body portion also has an actuation pad at the second end, as well as a hinge mechanism for allowing rotational movement of the main body portion connected to the first end of the main body portion, and an actuation device that contacts the actuation pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Jarrell, Clifton Ray Jones
  • Patent number: 8770225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a four-way reversing valve for refrigerating cycle system, in particular to an end cover for fitting with a valve body of a main valve of a four-way reversing valve, a four-way reversing valve using the same and an assembling method thereof. The end cover has a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section sequentially provided in an axial direction, wherein an outer periphery of the larger diameter section of the end cover is adapted to be tightly connected with the valve body, and an end portion of the smaller diameter section of the end cover is adapted to be fitted with a piston of the main valve, so as to define an operating position of the piston, characterized in that the larger diameter section of the end cover has a frustum shape with a larger outer end and smaller inner end, or an end portion of the larger diameter section of the end cover has radially projected flange for abutting against and fitting with an end surface of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Climate and Appliance Controls Group Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Guodong Zhang, Songyan Huang
  • Patent number: 8770543
    Abstract: A poppet valve assembly includes a body and first and second check valves. The body includes opposing first and second axial end portions. The first end portion has a first circumferential surface, a first end surface, and a tapered surface, which seals with a main valve seat. The second axial end portion defines at least one metering slot. The body defines first and second internal passages. The first internal passage includes an opening in the first end surface, is in fluid communication with one of the metering slots, and has a first check valve seat. The second internal passage includes an opening in the first circumferential surface, is in fluid communication with one of the metering slot, and has a second check valve seat. The first and second check valves are disposed in the respective internal passages and are adapted for sealing engagement with the respective check valve seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Tam Chi Huynh
  • Patent number: 8770215
    Abstract: A low flow injector controls remote delivery of low flows of gas. A higher flow carrier gas is provided by an MFC to a conduit. A remote flow restrictor is located to exhaust a critical process gas directly into the conduit. An electronic regulator controls a pressure of the critical gas responsive to a pressure point received from a controller corresponding to a desired mass flow. Also, a large flow restrictor vents the critical process gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel T. Mudd, Patti J. Mudd
  • Patent number: 8763626
    Abstract: Ventilation valve for a liquid tank comprising: an housing comprising a side wall provided with ventilation openings, a cover provided with a ventilation aperture which may be connected to a venting circuit of the tank, and a base pierced with at least one drainage aperture; and a float capable of closing off the ventilation aperture, such float being able to slide vertically inside the housing depending on the level of liquid therein, the valve also comprising a drainage chamber located underneath the housing in which the valve slides, the chamber also comprising at least one drainage aperture that is not aligned with the drainage aperture of the base of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Vincent Cuvelier, Emmanuel Stiers
  • Patent number: 8763622
    Abstract: An interlock monitoring system includes a magnetic proximity sensor within a poppet valve type coupler to detect whether the poppet valve is opened or closed. An open poppet valve indicates a proper connection. The sensor consists of dedicated electronics that prevent cheating, or bypassing, by either shorting out or opening the contacts to the sensor. In addition, a ferrous metal proximity switch is used to provide a redundant confirmation of proper connection of the coupler. The ferrous magnetic proximity switch will indicate whether or not the coupler is actually in contact with an appropriate connection. Each of the magnetic proximity sensor and the ferrous magnetic proximity switch must indicate a respective proper condition in order to determine a valid interlock condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Scully Signal Company
    Inventor: Robert R. Trottier
  • Patent number: 8763638
    Abstract: A check valve comprising a valve housing, which comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a valve channel. The valve channel connects the inlet to the outlet and has a valve seat. The check valve further comprises a closure part, which cooperates with the valve seat, and a tappet bearing the closure part. An end of the tappet which is remote from the closure part bears a control piston, which together with a cylinder wall defines a control chamber, which is connected a control connection. The control chamber is connected to the valve channel by means of a connection channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Duerr Dental AG
    Inventor: Alfred Deubler
  • Patent number: 8763637
    Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator utilizes a magnet keyed to a shaft, and a magnetic field sensor mounted beside the magnet, to indicate the angular position of the shaft. A magnetic pole sensor detects the initial polarity of the magnet during setup to determine how to correlate the output readings of the magnetic field sensor with the position of the valve. The sensors are located so they permit the shaft to extend through to a mechanical visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Soldo S.r.l. Socio Unico
    Inventors: Giovanni Soldo, Mark E. Peters
  • Patent number: 8763634
    Abstract: A relief device includes a relief housing constituted by a relief inflow portion, a valve passage portion, a recess, and an oil discharge portion having a relief hole; a relief valve having a small-diameter portion between a first large-diameter portion and a second large-diameter portion; and a spring elastically biasing the relief valve toward the relief inflow portion. The recess is formed at a position that is closer to the relief inflow portion side than to the oil discharge portion, the axial length of the recess is larger than the axial length of the first large-diameter portion of the relief valve, and the shortest axial distance between the recess and the relief hole is less than the axial length of the small-diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Akaishi, Masataka Ikawa, Yasuhiro Ueta, Takuji Ishioka, Hidehiko Kamiyama, Takuya Yamazaki, Yoshiro Umezawa, Hirokazu Inoue, Yoshitaka Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 8763631
    Abstract: A metering valve includes a valve body, a flow tube, an orifice plate, a central flow body, and a mover. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet. The flow tube is carried for axial movement in slidable and sealing engagement with the valve body at an inlet end and an outlet end. The orifice plate has an outlet. The central flow body is provided on an upstream end of the orifice plate and has an annular seal configured to seat into engagement with the outlet end of the flow tube when the flow tube is moved to a downstream position. The central flow body also includes a central, protruding flow diverter upstream and central of the annular seal. The mover is provided in the valve body and is configured to carry the flow tube for displacement of the output end toward and away from the central flow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Engine Controls Corporation
    Inventors: E. Joseph Mares, Nathan Todd Miller, Mark Robert Huebscher
  • Patent number: 8763630
    Abstract: A sewer flushing device 20 for location in a sewage system. The device comprises a housing 21 adapted for location in a sewage flow path 14 and a gate 22 pivotally supported on the housing 21 and movable between open and closed positions. The gate is biased towards its closed position so as to inhibit the flow of sewage and thereby cause a build up of sewage. In this way, when the sewage upstream of the gate 22 reaches a predetermined level the gate is urged to its open position such that a flushing pulse of sewage flows downstream. There may also be provided a locating device 23 for holding the housing 21 in the required position within the sewage system. The locating device may comprise a sewer engaging portion 51,52 adapted to locate in a sewer channel 12,14, and a housing connector 54 adapted to connect to the housing 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: David Pitt
  • Patent number: 8757209
    Abstract: A valve having a metal insert with a fluid passage formed in the metal insert. A composite valve body is disposed at least partially around the metal insert and having at least one port in fluid communication with the fluid passage with the metal insert. A valve member is partially disposed in the metal insert and operable to control the fluid flow through the fluid passage of the metal insert and parts of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Morgan, Michael E. Jones
  • Patent number: 8757200
    Abstract: A tip-resistant valve plug includes a valve head, first and second retention legs, and an anti-tip fin. The valve head includes a continuous partition defining a fluid barrier between a sealing side and an external side of the valve head. Each of the first and second retention legs extend from a leg base positioned at the sealing side of the valve head to a distal end of the retention leg. Each of the first and second retention legs include a plug catch configured to interfere with an inside diameter of a fluid flow orifice or a pressure relief spring. The respective distal ends of the retention legs are spaced apart from one another, and the anti-tip fin extends from the sealing side of the valve head in a direction of the respective distal ends of the retention legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: West Troy, LLC
    Inventors: Warren Davidson, James Martin Jergens
  • Patent number: 8757201
    Abstract: A device for airflow regulation in an air damper is disclosed. The device includes a twist sleeve of flexible material, the cross section of which substantially conforms to an outer tube in which the flow takes place, one end of the twist sleeve being disposed on the inner side of the outer tube and the other end of the twist sleeve being disposed in a tube sleeve which can be rotated under an axial displacement controlled in relation to the rotation. The outer diameter of the tube sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube, so that the tube sleeve slides easily in the outer tube. The tube sleeve is provided with a helical slot. The rotation of the tube sleeve is achieved by a gearwheel adapted to cooperate with the helical slot to pull around the tube sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Borander
  • Patent number: 8752569
    Abstract: A shutoff fitting as protection device for blocking a fluid flow through a conduit includes a pneumatic adjustment device, and a hybrid gas generator operably connected to the adjustment device. The hybrid gas generator has a reaction chamber with a gas generator and a pressure gas chamber containing compressed gas and arranged adjacent to the reaction chamber. An inlet diaphragm separates the reaction chamber from the pressure gas chamber and can be penetrated, when the gas generator is activated, so that a passage is established from the reaction chamber to the pressure gas chamber. An outlet diaphragm closes the pressure gas chamber and is rendered ineffective through destruction when the gas generator is activated to enable compressed gas to flow into the adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Franz Alfert